Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-05-08

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

CONTENTS

[01] PM: YES, SOCIAL SECURITY TO BE GIVEN PUBLIC FUNDS

[02] ARCHBISHOP STILL PONDERING PAPAL PARDON

[03] PM TO ESP: COMMON FOREIGN POLICY, A TOP PRIORITY

[04] PRINCE CHARLES ON INCOGNITO VISIT TO MT. ATHOS

[05] KARAMANLIS SUPPORTS THE IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN FYROM

[06] STATEMENTS BY REPPAS ON TURKEY'S NEW PROVOCATION

[07] REPPAS: THE CRISIS IN FYROM IS UNDER CONTROL

[08] INFLATION WAS 3.5% IN APRIL

[09] MARGINAL LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[10] EUROPEAN ECONOMIC CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

[11] PRINCE CHARLES VISITED THE VATOPEDI MONASTERY TREASURES IN MOUNT ATHOS

[12] SAE PRESIDIUM TO CONVENE IN THESSALONIKI IN MAY

[13] CANADIAN MPs BACK PARTHENON MARBLES' RETURN

[14] THE 5TH CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY ENDED TODAY

[15] COLLECTION OF SIGNATURES IN CANADA FOR THE RETURN OF THE PARTHENON

[16] FM TO GIVE OLYMPIC TRUCE STATUE TO KOFI ANNAN

[01] PM: YES, SOCIAL SECURITY TO BE GIVEN PUBLIC FUNDS

Prime Minister Costas Simitis, presently attending the European Socialist Party Convention in Berlin, told Greek journalists that the issue of social security is a topic for dialogue, since dialogue is taking place "across-the-board and without preconditions".

When asked if the government intends to maintain the tripartite funding of pension monies, Mr. Simitis responded that the social security system should be public and there should also be public funding. And to a great extent there is public funding.

You only have to see the figures, the amounts anticipated in the budget. A big amount of tax revenues will be used to support social security, he added.

Mr. Simitis is heading a ruling PASOK party delegation that includes Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

The Security in Change conference, is being attended by 11 prime ministers and a total of 281 delegates from 20 parties.

Issues to be discussed are European Union enlargement, modernizing the European social and economic model, the EU's global role on the creation of a fairer world and promoting institutional reforms in the EU in light of the inter-governmental conference and Euro-elections in 2004.

A.F.

[02] ARCHBISHOP STILL PONDERING PAPAL PARDON

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, presently on an official visit to Moscow, continued to comment on the apology given by Pope John Paul II, during the latter's recent pilgrimage to Athens.

We handled the Pope's recent visit as a challenge, not as a trial, Mr. Christodoulos stated, adding that he set forth the Orthodox peoples problems and secured, aside from the apology, the pontiff's condemnation of proselytism and the use of violence. Furthermore, he stated that he secured a statement from the Pope calling on the European countries to retain their Christian character and not return into secular states.

The Archbishop refused to term his role as an intermediary one between the pontiff and the other Orthodox sects, especially the Russian, albeit adding that he would be willing to carry out such role if it is requested by him.

The representative of the Russian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Cyrill stated that Moscow freely conducts talks with the Vatican and is not in need of any intermediaries. At the same tine, he added that a potential meeting between Pope John Paul II and Russian Patriarch Alexy II should not turn into a media show without resolving the pending issues, reiterating the Patriarch's earlier statement that open wounds still remain.

A.F.

[03] PM TO ESP: COMMON FOREIGN POLICY, A TOP PRIORITY

Addressing the European Socialist Party Convention in Berlin, entitled Security in Change, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, stressed that a common foreign policy, security and mutual defense should be Europe's foremost priority in contributing to the formulation of a multipolar world.

A soundly structured defense policy should and will- strengthen NATO, the Premier said, adding our aim is not to antagonize the USA, but to secure stability.

Referring to the Balkan region, Mr. Simitis stated that Europe has a duty to ensure regional security.

The bloodshed in the Balkans has bitterly made us aware of the fact that Europe is not immune to instability, he said, noting that the EU should undertake a more active role in regional security, even outside its borders as the prevention of conflicts is the top issue on the international agenda.

Moreover, the Greek Premier added that the European Union has plenty of abilities, sources and experience to confront the new challenges we are faced with.

Calling on the European socialists and social democrats to develop new ambitions, Mr. Simitis stressed that the future of the Union is inexorably bound with the future of European social democrats and both are connected with the dynamics of the wider international system.

He also stated that Europe should promote democratic institutions and should find new balances between governments, the market and the citizens, pointing out that there is a deficit of democracy and responsibility within the international economic and political system.

Moreover, the Greek premier stated that one of Europe's greatest advantages is the social model built in the recent years by the social democrats upon the values of democracy, social justice and solidarity.

This social model, he explained, combines freedom with equality, social cohesion with economic competitiveness, and, while it is characterized by the market economy it categorically rejects the market society.

Lastly, the Greek Premier stressed that Europe's international obligations include combating poverty on the planet and protecting the environment. 

A.F.

[04] PRINCE CHARLES ON INCOGNITO VISIT TO MT. ATHOS

Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, is reportedly on a visit to the Vatopedi Monastery at Mt, Athos, having arrived at the airport in Kavala yesterday.

Upon his arrival to the Northern Greek city, the Prince was whisked away to a cruise ship which took him to Mt. Athos, where he is a frequent visitor.

The heir to the British throne is expected to stay at for at least two days.

A.F.

[05] KARAMANLIS SUPPORTS THE IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN FYROM

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis expressed his strong concern over the situation in FYROM upon his arrival at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport.

He said that there is a need for an immediate ceasefire and the EU can not be just a passive observer of the developments that take place on its own territory, adding that they can lead to a generalized destabilization.

Mr. Karamanlis pointed out the need for the international community and the European Union to send a clear message to all extremist groups that the violence and the threat for the use of violence are not acceptable ways for the settlement of differences.

He stressed that there are two preconditions for the settlement of the crisis namely, the inviolability of the borders and the respect of minority rights.

Mr. Karamanlis stated that he is in Thessaloniki for the European Popular Party parliamentary group two-day meeting on the future of the Balkans and their European prospects.

[06] STATEMENTS BY REPPAS ON TURKEY'S NEW PROVOCATION

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas referred to Turkey's decision not to allow a Greek helicopter flight carrying the Greek Navy Staff Chief to Turkey's Aksam Base to take place. The Greek Navy Staff Chief was going to attend a ceremony for the delivery of new NATO mine-sweepers. Turkey's decision was aimed at promoting its claims concerning the demilitarization of the island of Rhodes in southeastern Aegean.

Mr. Reppas maintained that Greece will not be represented in this event if there are limitations imposed. He said that legally and politically Turkey's position is wrong and Greece's position is clear namely, nobody can impose restrictions inside the Greek territory. Mr. Reppas also stated that NATO's legal services have ruled that flights can be held over regions which are regarded as demilitarized by Turkey.

[07] REPPAS: THE CRISIS IN FYROM IS UNDER CONTROL

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, referring to the escalation of the armed clashes between government forces and Albanian-speaking rebels in FYROM, stated that Greece is concerned with the crises hotbeds, while it watches the situation closely and participates in the initiatives undertaken. He also added that the crisis in FYROM is under control.

Mr. Reppas stated that it appears that the clashes are unlikely to spread.

[08] INFLATION WAS 3.5% IN APRIL

Inflation in Greece was 3.5% in the month of April showing a notable increased compared to March's 3%, while it remained at the same levels with last February's 3.5%. The announcement was made today by the National Statistics Agency.

The inflation increase and its return to last February's levels is solely attributed to the fuel price increases.

[09] MARGINAL LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Marginal losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -0.02% at 3.155,52 points, while the volume of transactions was small at 106.0 million Euro or 36.1 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, 219 recorded gains and 89 had losses, while the value of 70 stocks remained stable.

[10] EUROPEAN ECONOMIC CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

A European Economic Conference on "Finance, Trade and Factor Mobility Issues in the Global Economy" is co-organized by Macedonia University and London's City University to take place in Thessaloniki on May 17-19.

The conference will be attended by about 80 distinguished economic science professors from Europe, the United States and Russia.

Its proceedings will be completed with a visit by the conference delegates to the archaeological site of Vergina.

[11] PRINCE CHARLES VISITED THE VATOPEDI MONASTERY TREASURES IN MOUNT ATHOS

The heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, visited the holy relics and treasures kept at the Monastery of Vatopedi in Mount Athos, in Chalkidiki northern Greece. According to information, the Prince of Wales will stay in Mount Athos for three days and he is expected to visit other monasteries at the monastic community as well.

Prince Charles arrived at Chrisoupolis Airport in Kavala, northern Greece yesterday afternoon and boarded the "Rio Rita" yacht. The Prince and his entourage got to Mount Athos on board small boats from Ierissos in Chalkidiki.

It is Prince Charles' second visit to Mount Athos within a year. In early May 2000, he had visited again the monasteries of Vatopedi, Iviron and Megistis Lavras. The police and port authorities in the region as well as the representatives of Mount Athos have stated that his entourage hadn't briefed them on the schedule of his visit to Greece, stressing that the Prince of Wales didn't want any publicity to be given to his visit.

[12] SAE PRESIDIUM TO CONVENE IN THESSALONIKI IN MAY

The presidium of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) is to convene in Thessaloniki between May 14-18, according to SAE president Andrew Athens.

In an interview with the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr.Athens stated that his meeting with undersecretary of Foreign Affairs (responsible for expatriate Greeks) Grigporis Niotis was held in a positive climate yesterday.

Moreover, Mr. Athens stated that the President of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by SAE's medical centers to the region. Mr. Athens recently conducted a tour in Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine.

Also, the SAE President stated that SAE is preparing two additional Medical Centers in Armenia and Ukraine, as well as a nurses' training center in Ukraine.

A.F.

[13] CANADIAN MPs BACK PARTHENON MARBLES' RETURN

Several Canadian parliamentarians have given their support to a massive campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum to Greece, launched by a Canadian committee formed for this very purpose.

The Canadian Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles was formed in 2000, aiming for the return of these ancient artifacts to their place of origin, as per a UNESCO resolution adopted internationally in August 1982.

A deputy with the governing federal Liberal Party Eleni Bakopanos, who is of Greek descent, heads the campaign to amass 100,000 signatures on a petition calling on Britain to return the ancient sculptures.

Addressing a press conference in Ottawa yesterday, Ms. Bakopanos recalled that Britain's current Premier Tony Blair had promised, when in opposition, to work for the return of the Parthenon sculptures.

Our aim, she said, is to assist in the return of the Marbles to Athens in time for the 2004 Olympic Games.

The committee includes a number of distinguished figures, among them Monetoba's Minister of Highways and Government Services Steven Ashton, Professor at Concordia University's Communication Studies Department Nikos Metallinos and Scarborough Agincourt Deputy Jim Karygiannis.

A.F.

[14] THE 5TH CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY ENDED TODAY

The proceedings of the 5th Congress of the European Socialist Party ended in Berlin today. Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis pointed out in a press conference that a decision under the title "progress with safety" was adopted. He also said that the goal is the strengthening of the political union of the EU, the modernization and strengthening of its social model, the strengthening of the global role of the EU and the active participation of the people in the EU procedures.

Prime minister Kostas Simitis referring to the situation in FYROM stressed that Greece is against any effort to change the existing borders in the Balkans and backs the peaceful solution of differences. He said that Greece wants a national unity government in FYROM and reiterated that there is only one way that can be followed in the Balkans namely, that of cooperation, development and peace.

On the developments in the Middle East, he stressed that a peaceful solution must be found and the EU is called to play a more active role toward this direction.

On the situation in the Turkish prisons, Mr. Simitis said that Greece's position is clear and can be seen in the Greek government statements on human rights, the prison conditions and the improvement of living standards.

[15] COLLECTION OF SIGNATURES IN CANADA FOR THE RETURN OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES TO GREECE

The Canadian Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles announced in a press conference held at the Canadian parliament building that a campaign will be launched for the collection of 100.000 signatures by Canadians, who back the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

The committee's board of directors is made up of distinguished Canadian politicians and university professors.

The collection of signatures will be made mostly through the Internet after the construction of the Canadian Committee site (www.parthenoncanada.org).

[16] FM TO GIVE OLYMPIC TRUCE STATUE TO KOFI ANNAN

Greece's Foreign Minister George Papandreou will deliver the "Olympic Truce" statue to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan today, during a ceremony at the UN's New York headquarters in the framework of the International Olympic Truce Center's (IOTC) board meeting.

The statue, the work of Spanish artist Rosa Serra, is an offer by former UN Olympic Committee member Irwin Belk who attended the General Assembly's works on the Olympic Truce in 1999 as a member of the US delegation.

Since only UN member-states are able to offer gifts to the international organization, the IOTC's secretary Kidane called on the Greek foreign minister and IOTC vice president to deliver the statue to Mr. Annan on its behalf.

A.F.

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